Date Range: Spring 2017 (BCIT Interior Design Bachelors Degree Assignment)
Position: Interior Designer, Researcher
Case Studies Conducted: MakerLabs, Vancouver Tool Library, FabLabs, Konisa Studio
Objectives Achieved: Design a Supportive Social Hub for A Vancouver Sub-Culture (Makers), Research Existing and Needed Community Resources, Interview Designers Working in Maker Culture
Skills Used: Interior Design, 3D Modelling, Construction Drawing Development, Building Code Analysis
“What Makes a Maker?” is a cultural exhibition on the makers, tinkerers and do-it-yourself minds of Vancouver. With locations such as Maker Labs and events such as Vancouver’s Mini-Maker Faire, this "Maker" culture provides much to learn for onlookers. This space looks to tell the story of not only the products resulting from maker-efforts but also the stories behind the makers, themselves. This community is creative and innovative, and greatly impacts the local economy. This exhibition design provided the opportunity to explore a culture far beyond the surface level. Intensive research informed the design by revealing the importance of both maker and product — adding richness to the exhibition features which tell the personal stories of makers alongside their creations. By focusing on personality, this exhibition provided both a window into the incredible culture of Vancouver makers as well as an extending hand which provided guests an invitation to join in and become part of the highlighted community.
